Page 32 of The Last Strike

“You’re safe now, Theodora,” Asher said, seeing the anguish in her eyes. Still, he remained wary. “Play by the rules, orhewill kill you,” Asher warned, tilting his head toward James Thomas.

He stood to leave.

“Asher, take a closer look at your aunt. She’s been coming to Adani for years. Her relationship with my father isn’t recent,” Theodora said quickly, looking up at him.

His eyebrows weaved together. “What are you saying? They were romantically involved?”

“I don’t know, but I thought so. He changed—got worse—after she started showing up,” Theodora said.

Asher nodded slowly. “My security team is going to periodically ask you questions. Be open with them, be as useful as you can—if your father retaliates and I’m left with no choice, I will hand you over, Theodora. I can’t save you and ask Santina to pay the price. Be as helpful as you can,” he repeated. His voice was warm, but there was no mistake—it was a threat.

Asher truly meant her no harm, but he would not let innocent Santinians be hurt or killed because Asher refused to hand her over. The price was too high.

“For now, a rotating team will stay with you. Do everything they say. If you try anything, I will—”

“I understand,” Theodora said, then quickly realized that cutting him off had been a mistake. “I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I will be no trouble, Asher. I promise.”

Asher searched her eyes, not knowing what to believe. He stood to leave, knowing he would find out soon enough what her true motives were.

“Asher,” Theodora said and he turned back to her. “He’s scared. My father is scared because it’s been a long time since anyone stood up to him, and that shows his power is slipping. Whatever you’re planning, do it fast. Take away his control and you’ll take away his power. The people of Adani like him because they perceive him to be powerful. They believe he is always looking out for Adani but, in truth, he is looking out for himself.” She looked into his eyes. “Show them you’re more powerful, then show them you can be kind too. That is the way to earn their support—and you’ll need that for when you take Adani.”

That was exactly what Asher had planned to do.

He nodded and left the room. When the door closed behind him, he pulled out his phone and rang his partner in war—or the man he hoped was still his partner.

“Asher, where are we at?” Luang answered.

“I want to issue the command for all borders to attack. You received confirmation from Arinia that all soldiers are in position, yes?” Asher asked. He’d received the confirmation, but Luang should’ve too.

“Correct. Let’s send them in,” Luang said, and Asher hated the seed of doubt that had entered his mind. What if Luang was playing him? What if Khalil knew what they were about to do? Asher massaged his pulsing temples and sighed silently. He had to make a decision and stand by it. If he was going to use this strategic move on the borders, he needed to do it now. He prayed he would not come to regret this decision.

“I’ll issue the order,” Asher said.

“And I’ll do my part,” Luang said firmly. “I’ll have the commander ready to lead them.”

“Thank you. Security will connect us. I’ll issue the command within thirty minutes,” Asher said, his eyes dropping to his watch.

King Khalil

“Where is she?” Khalil boomed.

Blank faces stared back at him.

Khalil shook his head in disgust. “You let her get away!” His gaze scanned over them. “We had twice as many men, and you failed!”

He walked away. He had nothing more to say to the men who had let him down.

Khalil ground his teeth as his mind reeled. His water had been poisoned, his palace attacked, and his daughter had escaped. He was beginning to regret killing King Martin—at least he hadn’t fought back.

Khalil’s hand went to his tightening chest when he felt a pinch of pain. He slowed his pace but kept his face calm. He would not show weakness.

“Your Majesty, we’ve been able to reach King Luang. He is on the line now,” Khalil’s guard said.

Khalil snatched the phone from his hand, raising it to his ear while he continued to walk.

“Luang,” Khalil said.

“King Khalil, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Luang asked, sounding tired.

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